Joanne
by Lady Gaga
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 3658 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,913 out of 3658
  2. Mixed: 173 out of 3658
  3. Negative: 572 out of 3658
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  1. adrianirvan
    Oct 21, 2016
    9
    Joanne, Lady Gaga's most stripped down album to date, whether authentic or not, further shows her prowess in today's crowded market for digestible pop music. Personal and brave, this album is a natural successor to Born This Way and it deserves to be so. While lacking some of Gaga's signature dance pop style and persona, Joanne gives a different perspective of the life of Gaga herself byJoanne, Lady Gaga's most stripped down album to date, whether authentic or not, further shows her prowess in today's crowded market for digestible pop music. Personal and brave, this album is a natural successor to Born This Way and it deserves to be so. While lacking some of Gaga's signature dance pop style and persona, Joanne gives a different perspective of the life of Gaga herself by opening a window to Stefani Germanotta's soul.… Expand
  2. vonzmirlen
    Oct 22, 2016
    9
    Gaga really showed her talent as a lyricist in this record, more than in any other of her previous ones in my opinion. The songs also sound raw, in a sense where you can really hear her voice. I feel like it's one of the best albums I got to listen to in 2016. She really opened up in this album and I think this is something pretty difficult for an artist with that many people waiting forGaga really showed her talent as a lyricist in this record, more than in any other of her previous ones in my opinion. The songs also sound raw, in a sense where you can really hear her voice. I feel like it's one of the best albums I got to listen to in 2016. She really opened up in this album and I think this is something pretty difficult for an artist with that many people waiting for your work.
    JOANNE is a good 9/10.    … Expand
  3. marcusmonteiro
    Oct 22, 2016
    9
    This album is a different work from Lady Gaga, she is always doing a new stuff, showing she is more than performances and clothes. She shows her voice in a peculiar way, better than in cheek to cheek. We can feel all her feelings inside the songs.
  4. Harek_Blom
    Oct 22, 2016
    9
    I really wonder why she chose to take two of the (imo) weakest songs as first singles... Million reasons and perfect illusion do not match up to the majority of the songs. Apart from those two (and maybe the ultimately not-so-necessary-yet-still-nice-to-listen-to bonus tracks), all of the tracks are solid 8-10s.

    Favs: Diamond Heart, Sinner's Prayer, Dancin' in Circles, Joanne
  5. MilloQueen
    Oct 22, 2016
    9
    She's back again to change the whole game. And I'm not talking about Gaga, this is Stefani. Welcome Joanne. This is a crude and powerful, unique, out of the heart, pop-rock-country-indie album. There's no bad romance this time, don't expect that. It's even better. And it's not an illusion.
  6. jessiefanning
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    This my fav album of the year, so personal and genuine, I really love it, Beck, Bloodpop and Mark Ronson are genius and gaga too of course.
    Her voice is so amazing, mature and powerful in this record, without auto-tune, showing all her talent.
  7. Brooklynboy
    Oct 23, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lady Gaga nos mostrou novamente o quanto havia evoluído musicalmente nesse seu novo álbum. Com musicas simples, porém marcantes, Gaga deu um show com sua voz, que conseguiu fluir entre o Country, Folk, e Rock de uma maneira única.… Expand
  8. killingest
    Oct 23, 2016
    9
    This album is so unexpected but completely amazing. It distances itself from the usual and generic pop songs that are charting right now. It's a new and fresh sound that we've never head from her and I will play this album on repeat!
  9. Gaffawebber
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    What a refreshing change! I've always wanted Gaga to do a more acoustic album, and this is really working for me. I grew up listening to a good deal of classic country and classic rock and this album sonically evokes a great many good memories for me of those times.
  10. BenTiago
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    This is just amazing, you can see progression in every phase of the album. Some songs are awkwardly placed, like come to mama. But overall the album is amazing! bringing back the traditional pop and major turn away from the up beat EDM's
  11. lolitaslies
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    This is absolutely one of Lady Gaga's best albums, if not THE best one. The only track that is very inappropriate for the album is "Dancin' In Circles", a typical dance song that can remind to the first songs by Shakira. A really bad track. By the way, in the other tracks, we can hear a lot of different influences from different genres. The crown jewel of this album is Sinner's Prayer, aThis is absolutely one of Lady Gaga's best albums, if not THE best one. The only track that is very inappropriate for the album is "Dancin' In Circles", a typical dance song that can remind to the first songs by Shakira. A really bad track. By the way, in the other tracks, we can hear a lot of different influences from different genres. The crown jewel of this album is Sinner's Prayer, a country-ish song produced by Gaga herself, Mark Ronson, Bloodpop and Kevin Parker. Now, let's talk about the other song; "Diamond Heart" is a typical Gaga's pop song, nothing more. It is good, but there are better tracks. Not one of my favorites. "A-YO", the second promotional single, is a pop-rock that can remind to a new better version of the hit single "Shake It Off", released in 2014 by Taylor Swift. Not a good choice for a promotional single. The third song in the tracklist is the title track: "Joanne". A beautiful ballad dedicated to her aunt and one of the best songs of this album. Great lyrics and great instrumental. "John Wayne" is the fourth track of this album. It is, kinda, radio-friendly and I wouldn't be surprised if this song would become the second official single. Another crown jewel of this album. For the fifth song of this album, "Dancin' In Circles", I've already reported my opinion. After this, we have the first single, "Perfect Illusion". Maybe the illusion was the concept given by this first single in September? It wasn't a good choice to release that song as the first single, since it is very different from the other tracks of this album. A track out of place. "Million Reasons", another ballad, is one of Gaga's best produced songs from this album. I have a "Million Reasons" to love this track! Incredible.
    About "Sinner's Prayer", I've already told my opinion. Outstanding. "Come To Mama" is a great song, not one of the best ones, but still good. In my opinion, this song would fit better as a bonus track on a deluxe version. "Hey Girl", a dance song with the incredible voice of Florence Welch, the singer of the band "Florence + The Machine". Incredible song. Loved it. Now let's talk about the last track of the standard edition: the amazing anthem "Angel Down". One of the best Gaga's songs. Well produced and an amazing work behind the lyrics. It may even make you shed, at least, one or two tears by the end of the track. About the deluxe edition, we have two other songs and an Angel Down work tape. "Grigio Girls" is a great song, there's nothing else to say. "Just Another Day" is THE track of this album! It may even seem a Beatles' song from the White Album. Loved it! So amazing.

    9/10, just because of songs like Dancin' In Circles and Perfect Illusion.    … Expand
  12. sabb
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    Pppppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrfffffffffffffffffeeeeeeeeeeecccccccccccccccccccttttttttttttt
    it's the most beautiful album of lady gagaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  13. chenon976
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    Old style yet fresh, it brings a sense of warmth, and a break from pop trends. Powerful and raw vocals, accompanied with very fitting acoustics. Full of love, soulful and one of a kind!
  14. andresc
    May 29, 2020
    9
    Lady Gaga is an artist who can do, literally, anything. She's been into synth-pop-dance music, jazz, rock, nice ballads and I could continue with the list. Even if she showed us she can do whatever she wants and we've heard her sing anything possible, I feel Joanne as something I've never heard before from her. Exceptional album, exceptional music. I felt energy, spirit, dedication andLady Gaga is an artist who can do, literally, anything. She's been into synth-pop-dance music, jazz, rock, nice ballads and I could continue with the list. Even if she showed us she can do whatever she wants and we've heard her sing anything possible, I feel Joanne as something I've never heard before from her. Exceptional album, exceptional music. I felt energy, spirit, dedication and devotion like few artists could do over those who listens to them. Words are not enough to explain my feelings about this masterpiece of an album.… Expand
  15. supercarpet
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    A great work executed by a combination of different music producers. This album brings a little bit of country, pop, punk and even the 80's essence, allowing people to experience a different, fresh-side of Gaga, surprising the listeners. The lyrics are simple and yet touches deep into the artists' mind. Definitely worth a listen!
  16. MareaRick
    Oct 24, 2016
    9
    is an album with feeling and quality, it is as if he had taken his previous style and I had refined and improved, it is certainly an album buy you physically. Excellent production.
  17. yourgirlalex
    Oct 25, 2016
    9
    Gaga's most personal album to date proves to fans and critics alike that she doesn't have to make full on pop music for the music to still be great. This album reveals her powerful vocals that are mostly notable on 'Million Reasons' and 'Joanne' and songs like 'Dancin' In Circles' and 'A-YO' are fun and catchy, just like the music 'old' Gaga used to make. This album is simply fantasticGaga's most personal album to date proves to fans and critics alike that she doesn't have to make full on pop music for the music to still be great. This album reveals her powerful vocals that are mostly notable on 'Million Reasons' and 'Joanne' and songs like 'Dancin' In Circles' and 'A-YO' are fun and catchy, just like the music 'old' Gaga used to make. This album is simply fantastic and Lady Gaga cannot be stopped.… Expand
  18. elrodrisabe
    Oct 27, 2016
    9
    What a great gift from her, to us: her fans. Joanne is an album full of fun/entertaining songs and ballads that will melt your heart instantly. She's hugging hard us with this record... just let yourself be hugged and you'll enjoy it 100% ! x

    Top songs: Just Another Day, Joanne, Million Reasons, Sinner's Prayer, Angel Down, Diamond Heart
  19. KrisMad
    Oct 31, 2016
    9
    Never one to be pigeon-holed, Gaga, is a master of reinvention and keeps it fresh with every new offering throughout her career. Breaking musical boundaries, she is one artist who can literally sing and do whatever she sets her heart to. Joanne is a breath of fresh air by an artist who takes risks and isn't reliant on what's trending on radio to express her artistry. From the opening ofNever one to be pigeon-holed, Gaga, is a master of reinvention and keeps it fresh with every new offering throughout her career. Breaking musical boundaries, she is one artist who can literally sing and do whatever she sets her heart to. Joanne is a breath of fresh air by an artist who takes risks and isn't reliant on what's trending on radio to express her artistry. From the opening of Diamond Heart, reminiscent of 80s hair bands to the bouncy Just Another Day, Joanne has so many highs and lows that it shows Gaga's versatility as a musician. From Disco-EDM alien to Jazz songstress to Americana cowgirl, Gaga is the most interesting and genuine pop star of our time. Some kudos to the girl, and yes she CAN sing (which people have to somehow keep reminding themselves of - Superbowl?, Sound of Music Tribute at the Oscars?...virtually anytime she has taken to a microphone)… Expand
  20. LM_11
    Nov 20, 2016
    9
    Eu sou um grande fã da Gaga desde Poker Face em 2009, mas também não sou cego para não ver que tudo na vida dela mudou, eu não esperava um álbum ao estilo "The Fame" ou "Born This Way", e confesso que me surpreendi com o "Joanne", quando ouvi "Perfect Illusion", eu fiquei apreensivo quanto ao estilo que o, até então, LG5 poderia tomar, cheguei a pensar num álbum de rock. Porém ela nosEu sou um grande fã da Gaga desde Poker Face em 2009, mas também não sou cego para não ver que tudo na vida dela mudou, eu não esperava um álbum ao estilo "The Fame" ou "Born This Way", e confesso que me surpreendi com o "Joanne", quando ouvi "Perfect Illusion", eu fiquei apreensivo quanto ao estilo que o, até então, LG5 poderia tomar, cheguei a pensar num álbum de rock. Porém ela nos apresenta um álbum country-pop, aí chego no critério utilizado por mim para justificar um 9 e não um 10. O ínicio do álbum nos introduz à um trabalho genuinamente pop, porém uma queda brusca no estilo ocorre entre as faixas 2 e 4. "Joanne", a faixa-título, aparece numa posição que atrapalha seu brilho. Porque todos estavam dançando ao som de A-Yo e depois voltam com Dancin' In Circles, e Joanne quebra a vibe pop do álbum. então ocorre Perfect Illusion. Uma faixa disco-rock, num álbum country-pop, agora sim, Gaga foi longe demais. Depois vem "Million Reasons' uma mudança brusca de estilos musicais novamnte, mas após isso o estilo do álbum se assenta, e assume a identidade até seu fim, com faixas um pouco mais agitadas como "Come To Mama" e algumas um pouco mais calmas como "Angel Down". Tendo os fatores citados acima como referência, espero ter justificado minha nota.… Expand
  21. dijaydep
    Nov 27, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It may not good if you heard it once but it you listen to it much as i do you will like it . You may not like it as TF, TFM... but with me this is her best album.… Expand
  22. Manfreak
    Dec 6, 2016
    9
    The one we could call LG5, maybe.
    This may have been a very touching change in Gaga's career, but in addition to bringing a cool sound to her discography, she was charged with showing her more advanced vocal ability than Gaga.
    We can praise the album since it is complete in every sense, in what it promises, thematic and lyric. Maybe with a calmer sound than before we showed Gaga. But    The one we could call LG5, maybe.
    This may have been a very touching change in Gaga's career, but in addition to bringing a cool sound to her discography, she was charged with showing her more advanced vocal ability than Gaga.
    We can praise the album since it is complete in every sense, in what it promises, thematic and lyric. Maybe with a calmer sound than before we showed Gaga.
    But still, it has themes like; Come To Mom, Million Reasons, Joanne and Sinner's Pray that enchant the ears. Since everything has its disadvantages and it is that this did not taste the public, because Lady Gaga turned in everything that was, did and demonstrated, which she found to be someone who sold her image, this brought too many problems.    … Expand
  23. Plump
    Apr 13, 2017
    9
    Fantastic album, definitely worth the listen. Though it's a new sound for Lady Gaga, it's definitely not out of place. Some of my favorites were Just Another Day, Dancing in Circles, Perfect Illusion, and Angel Down.
  24. dtxphobia
    Jul 9, 2017
    9
    As a Lady Gaga fan, I gotta say that it was impossible for me to hate this album. Joanne's uniqueness makes it a very good album. It has some country, rock, jazz and pop vibes. My top tracks are Perfect Illusion, Dancin' In Circles and John Wayne. Not her best work to date, but its a unique experience that I enjoy very much
  25. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    9
    muy buen album, aunque es Lady Gaga, ya me esperaba algo tan bueno como esto
  26. marin_and
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    After her previous pieces of work, this comes as quite a surprise for Lady Gaga, it showcases a different side of the singer and most definitely focuses on her vocals which are impeccable.
  27. Grindybord
    Nov 15, 2017
    9
    Im so impressed with Gagas new album Joanne. I wanted to give it 10/10 but some song does not measure up unfortunately. In this album Gaga manages to move past her extravagant persona and touch on a more emotional level. Its a breath of fresh air coming from her. Mixing pop like song with more calm emotional songs make this album one of her better performances.
  28. gabrielcipriano
    Dec 21, 2018
    9
    We wait so long, and we see Gaga's influences in country and music sort of like the 60's and 70's. Surprisingly, the feelings involved are incredible.
  29. clockinthegirls
    Jun 22, 2018
    9
    such a good and different album from Gaga, it's always nice to see artists step outside of the box and still be able to deliver.
  30. MrFrench
    Aug 3, 2019
    9
    For me, this is my favorite work in Gaga’s discography. The only thing keeping it from being a 10/10 is the existence of “Dancing In Circles,” which I just don’t like. Top Tracks: “Diamond Heart,” “Joanne,” “Perfect Illusion,” “Million Reasons,” “Angel Down,” and “Grigio Girls.” “Diamond Heart” speaks to me because while we aren’t perfect and while we each have our dark moments, whatFor me, this is my favorite work in Gaga’s discography. The only thing keeping it from being a 10/10 is the existence of “Dancing In Circles,” which I just don’t like. Top Tracks: “Diamond Heart,” “Joanne,” “Perfect Illusion,” “Million Reasons,” “Angel Down,” and “Grigio Girls.” “Diamond Heart” speaks to me because while we aren’t perfect and while we each have our dark moments, what doesn’t change is the strength of our heart. “Joanne” makes me want to cry because we can all relate to someone close to us dying. “Perfect Illusion” is about realizing that what you once thought to be the case really wasn’t. “Million Reasons” is about wanting to go, but also wanting to stay given the right reason in a myriad of situations. “Angel Down” is commentary on gun violence and our generation. “Grigio Girls” is a fun song about friends, but also connects her aunt to one of Gaga’s good friends who has since passed away. Love this album.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2016
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Q Magazine
    Nov 15, 2016
    60
    Flawed though it is, this brave and canny album hits the reset button and buys her a future. [Jan 2017, p.105]
  2. The Quietus
    Nov 11, 2016
    60
    Unfortunately, therein lies the biggest problem with Joanne: for every time that Gaga seemingly breaks free of her shackles and embraces something more “real,” she quickly scuttles back into her comfort zone and hides behind glistening production. This probably isn’t quite the sound of the real Stefani Germanotta, but if you squint hard enough there’s a semblance of a real person in amongst the pop haze.
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  3. Clash Music
    Nov 9, 2016
    70
    Joanne is certainly not the all-conquering opus it was intended to be and will prove divisive, but it remains a daring and exciting record, delivered from one of modern pop’s most unique and singular voices.
    Read full review
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